Blog – Mark Feder

15 Oct 2026

Why a Mortgage Lender May Question a Property With More Than One Parcel

Mortgage Tips

Imagine finding a beautiful home that comes with an extra piece of land next door. Perhaps the additional lot provides more privacy, a larger backyard, or room for future improvements. While this may sound like an attractive bonus, purchasing a home that includes multiple parcels can introduce mortgage questions that buyers might not expect. What Does It Mean to Have Multiple Parcels?A parcel is a legally identified piece of land, typically assigned its own property identification number by the local taxing authority. Most residential properties consist of one parcel containing the house and surrounding land. However, some homes are marketed…

14 Oct 2026

By Mark Feder

What Happens When the Seller Has Not Paid Off a Home Improvement Loan?

Mortgage Tips

A newly installed roof, upgraded windows, or modern heating system can make a home more attractive to buyers. However, what happens when the seller is still making payments on those improvements? Depending on how the work was financed, an outstanding home improvement loan could affect the sale, the title review, and even the buyer's mortgage closing. Not All Home Improvement Loans Work the Same WayHomeowners finance improvements through several methods, including personal loans, home equity loans, contractor financing, and property-assessed financing programs. Some financing arrangements are unsecured, meaning the loan is based primarily on the borrower's credit rather than a…

13 Oct 2026

By Mark Feder

Why a Home With a Shared Septic System Can Complicate Mortgage Financing

Mortgage Tips

A home can look perfect during a showing, but certain features of the property may create questions when it comes time to secure a mortgage. One situation buyers may not anticipate is purchasing a home that shares a septic system with another property.While shared systems can function effectively, they may require additional documentation and review before financing can move forward. Understanding How a Shared Septic System WorksMost buyers are familiar with homes that connect to a public sewer system or have their own private septic tank. However, some properties share a wastewater treatment system with one or more neighboring homes.…

12 Oct 2026

By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 12th, 2026

Financial Reports

The FOMC Minutes and Consumer Sentiment report were the most impactful calendar items last week, further reinforcing the Federal Reserve's resolve to bring inflation down to its 2% target rate. While there is considerable speculation about another rate increase, recent analyst expectations suggest that the Fed will hold rates at their current level for some time. The Consumer Sentiment report showed a slight increase, largely driven by moderating gas prices, which have helped provide consumers with some relief.Consumer Sentiment ReportThe University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index was revised higher to 49.5 in June 2026, up from a preliminary reading of…